Origins

Charles Darwin changed the direction of modern thought by establishing the basis of evolutionary biology. This fascinating selection of letters, offers a glimpse of his daily experiences, scientific observations, personal concerns and friendships. Beginning with a charming set of letters at the age of twelve, through his university years in Edinburgh and Cambridge up to the publication of his most famous work, On the Origin of Species in 1859, these letters chart one of the most exciting periods of Darwin's life, including the voyage of the Beagle and subsequent studies which led him to develop his theory of natural selection. Darwin's vivid writing style enables the reader to see the world through his own eyes, as he matures from grubby schoolboy in Shropshire to one of the most controversial thinkers of modern times. This is a special Anniversary Edition of the best-selling Burkhardt: Charles Darwin's Letters: A Selection, 1825–1859

• A Foreword by the late Stephen Jay Gould puts the letters into their wider historical, social and scientific context
• Based on the original publication, Burkhardt: Charles Darwin's Letters: A Selection 1825–1859 (Cambridge University Press) this volume includes recently discovered letters, written by Darwin as a twelve year old schoolboy, that have never been published before
• Clear explanatory notes construct a narrative to the letters and interesting biographies about each character bring the book to life